Town of Lewiston: Reiter steps down; budget work continues

News from the Town of Lewiston
finds Steve Reiter has opted to step down as supervisor and from overseeing the
town water department. Gary Catlin has assumed both duties.

"I'm still deputy supervisor," Catlin
said, noting he would handle both his and the supervisor's duties in the
remaining two months of Reiter's term. Dennis Brochey will be sworn-in as
supervisor Jan. 1, 2014.

Catlin said the Town Board
approved a stipend for him, providing additional compensation for his new
roles.

Reiter, a long-time popular figure
in the town, leaves office following a tumultuous period. Over the past several
months, he was investigated by the FBI and state attorney general's office over
alleged improprieties, including unauthorized fuel use and misuse of town
vehicles.

Then came unfavorable public reaction
to projects under Reiter's supervision, including the town's assuming the
financial role in running and maintaining Joseph Davis State Park under an operating
agreement with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation;
questions over Reiter's organizing of a local development corporation; and a recreation
center proposal that failed to pass in a public referendum.

Reiter also encountered health
issues, including heart bypass surgery this fall. He entered the September
primary for town supervisor late. In a surprise move, the Niagara County Republican
Committee endorsed his opponent, Ernie Palmer, who wound up winning the
primary. Reiter did not run in last week's election.

Reiter continued on as supervisor
until this week.

"Steve never told me the reason
why (he was stepping down)," Catlin said. "He did take a leave of absence. I
don't blame him (on this decision). (But) he never did tell me the exact
reason."

Offering words of support for
Reiter, Catlin continued, "I do hope Brochey can get along with the board. He
needs to realize (as town supervisor) it's a full-time position."

"(And there's) no one there as
knowledgeable as Steve Reiter," Catlin said, referring to Reiter's hands-on approach
with all town departments, which came from his years of experience. Reiter
served as a highway department employee and highway superintendent before being
elected town supervisor.

"He will be missed," Catlin said.

In other news, the Town Board met
Tuesday to review the revised 2014 budget numbers. Catlin said the town's
budget still had not been finalized.

"There's still some twinking from
department heads," he said.

The Town Board announced it would
meet again Monday, Nov. 18, at 2:45 p.m. to further fine-tune the budget as it
moves toward adoption. The budget is due to be filed with the state by Nov. 20.